Texas Gov. Rick Perry does not support a petition for the Lone Star State to secede from the union.

But a lot of people do.

The online petition asking the federal government to allow Texas to withdraw from the U.S. following President Barack Obama's reelection has nearly 100,000 signatures. It appears on a section of a White House website called “We The People" and cites economic difficulties due to the federal government's inability to cut spending.

Supporters suggest that secession would protect Texans' standard of living and "re-secure their rights and liberties."

The leader of the Texas secession movement tells Politico that Obama's reelection was a "catalyzing moment" for his group's efforts to leave the United States. He insists, "This is not a reaction to a person but to policy" and what they see as a federal government that is disconnected from its constituents.

Even though the number of signatures far surpasses the 25,000 required for a White House response, none has been made.

For his part, Perry says he "believes in the greatness of our union and nothing should be done to change it," although he says he shares the frustrations many Americans have with the federal government.

Texas is America's second-biggest state in area and population. It was its own nation for 10 years before joining the union in 1845.

And Texas isn't alone here. Petitions calling for secession of more than two dozen states - including Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Florida and Delaware – have been filed.

Here’s my question to you: Should Texas be allowed to secede from the union?

Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.

And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.

soundoff(330 Responses)

If they want to dismiss this government, then they ought to first dismiss their government benefits... and then we'll see how serious they really are... (New York)

November 14, 2012 at 1:00 pm |

Peter Giacobbi

The teapublicans need to lick their wounds and get over it. What a bunch of sore losers. Texas isn't going anywhere...

November 14, 2012 at 1:07 pm |

Bill

Yes please get it done and over with it . Give texas back too Mexico.

November 14, 2012 at 1:09 pm |

ranch111

Yes. As a resident of Texas, I would welcome this. We don't need the Feds down here.

November 14, 2012 at 1:09 pm |

Pete in Georgia

Were the Colonies allowed to secede from Great Britain in the 1770's ??

Was the Southern Confederation allowed to secede from the Union in 1860 ??

Sometimes irrational thoughts and behavior produce rational outcomes.

Stay tuned.

November 14, 2012 at 1:13 pm |

Richard Preston Kremer, Dayton, Oh.

It is the same silliness of political partisanship that Senator McCain showed us today. There he stands in his elaborate clothes, living in one of his elaborate homes and eating his elaborate food while so many Americans are struggling. He spends his time discrediting the administration instead of figuring out how to balance the budget and bring jobs to the USA. Texas cannot secede and McCain will not find some wrongdoing. It is wasted chatter instead of doing the hard thing and that is to understand what America is today and how to make government work. McCain is out of touch just as much as these numbskulls who think they can secede from the union. Wake up. Who cares what is liberal or converative or Democratic or GOP. We are suppose to be Americans first.

November 14, 2012 at 1:19 pm |

Gregory Learned

I am a resident of Texas and I say no to the seceding from the United States. I do not want to be disenfranchised from the United States of America. Any talk of secession should be treated as treason. After all we are a part of the United
States of America indivisible, under God and with liberty and justice for all.

November 14, 2012 at 1:21 pm |

Michael Bindner if Alexandria, VA

Only if they want to pay off their share of the national debt, based on the most recent income tax data of their residents as a percentage of the whole (since it is income taxes that allow the debt to balloon in the first place).

November 14, 2012 at 1:23 pm |

John from Alabama

Jack: Sure, Texas can leave the union, but only after it gives up all the military post up to the federal government, and any federal buildings, and oh my the way all Texas born federal employees will be fired from their jobs. All federal funds for Texas will now, stop. I do not think Texas wants to give up its place in the United States of America. But, now, Alabama is a different picture. Alabama wants to leave. It is a shame. There are people. Who are that racist, hateful, and stupid.

November 14, 2012 at 1:26 pm |

maoriora

Lincoln is spinning in his grave. Texas is one of the takers that pays government less in taxes than it receives, but America will carry Texas and the rest of the South as one country. Too many have died. A house divided ...

November 14, 2012 at 1:26 pm |

Julie from Chicago

It's one way to cut spending. Texans can be responsible for their own interstate highways, border patrol, disaster relief, education, social security, medicare, medicaid, aid to hospitals, etc. Sounds like a deal to me as a way to cut spending.

November 14, 2012 at 1:28 pm |

Bob Eboh

In a time of great challenge as this: Rising debt, high unemployment, possible global economic collapse, possible regional war in the middle east, this question seem out of place and unwarranted. Who cares what the misguided undemocratic individuals in Texas choose to do about the reelection of the President they dislike

November 14, 2012 at 1:34 pm |

A Independent Voter

Not only allowed, but we should assist them if they promise to take Rick Perry with them. This is not the first time we have heard this from Texas. If they have no pride in being part of this great country and all the advantages being an American provides, perhaps we can get Mexico to take them back but my guess is Mexico might see this as a hostile action.

November 14, 2012 at 1:35 pm |

Nicky Zavaglia

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few – They won't be missed

November 14, 2012 at 1:39 pm |

Jayne in NH

Round up all the people who want to secede and put them in one of the red states that takes more federal money than it contributes and let them secede. Our only problem will be building a fence high enough to keep them out when they figure out Medicare really is a government program.

November 14, 2012 at 1:40 pm |

lee in Wyoming

Allowed to secede???? My first reaction is to say: "Send those racists on their way and good riddance. Put up the 20-foot fence with razor wire and tell them to apply for passports."

However.....somebody has to have a cool head and after they blow off
steam and get a little publicity I have a feeling the majority of
Texas population wants to keep the highways open with no border patrol
surrounding them. We have some nuts in Wyoming signing the secession
petition too. Actually, maybe somebody should be taking names........
and maybe they are.

November 14, 2012 at 1:40 pm |

Harry

Yes, allow Texas to go. That way we can close those military bases, Houston Space Center, and other Federal Government services. That will give two things that Texas wants most. They will get the Federal Government out of their business and it will lower the budget deficit spending. This may be even help the US can cut defense spending and ease the fiscal cliff problem.

November 14, 2012 at 1:45 pm |

Mel - Houston

Since I live in Texas I'll say it's the dumbest thing people in this state could do. These people obviously do not realize how intertwined the states of the United States are. First, all the military bases in Texas would be moved. Second, the Johnson Space Center would be moved. Also, any company that supports the JSC would also move. Third, there would be no Social Security, Medicare, Medicade or Flood Insurance. Do these people realize how many people are employed by these bases or agencies. Maybe, these people should dig a hole six feet deep, get in and have someone cover them up. No one would bother them then.

November 14, 2012 at 1:46 pm |

Larry in Houston

Should Texas be allowed to secede from the union?
Short Answer : NO
what are they going to do ? start producing flags with only 49 stars ? What about if Texas gets hit with another Hurricane ? or if Texas needs any type of gov't assistance ? or what about the federal programs that the people in Texas are involved with ? What about the people who are drawing S.S. and other types of Gov't money ?

I can go on & on.

November 14, 2012 at 1:46 pm |

Emily

They won't do it, Jack. The only thing receding are a bunch of old racists' hairlines...

November 14, 2012 at 1:50 pm |

annie, atlanta

With all the hateful rhetoric we have to endure from the right whenever there's a Democrat in the White House, I've often wondered what the hell Lincoln was thinking. Good beaches for family trips? Take a look at the Confederate States and then take a look at those Southern red states, including mine, full of gullible people being told how and who to hate. It's frightening.

November 14, 2012 at 1:54 pm |

Shirley, Parry Sound, Ontario

If it does, could you please relocate Austin to Canada?

November 14, 2012 at 1:54 pm |

Kimberly Bennett - Arkansas

I think each state should be allowed to make that choice, BUT the government should require more than just 25,000 signatures. United We Stand, Divided We Fall, but we are already divided between Red and Blue.

November 14, 2012 at 1:56 pm |

Ed from Texas

First, 600,000 Americans died in the Civil War resolving this issue. Second, the whackos currently promoting the idea have obviously not thought it thru. On it's own, Texas would quickly devolve into a third world country.

November 14, 2012 at 1:57 pm |

Doug Ericson

I think it would be great if Texas could become an independent Country. They could all dress like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. They could protect their own border. They could all have their own oil rigs. They can have the Houston Space Center too, maybe launch their own Mars trip. We wouldn't have to spend trillions of dollars bailing them out every time a natural dissaster strikes there. Go for it Texas. Doug, Pepperell, MA.

November 14, 2012 at 1:59 pm |

jk in MN

If they were allowed to secceed, they should not get one dime of foreign aid. What so ridiculous about this is those who are most vocal about seccession are more than likely the same ones who are in Mitt Romney's "moocher class" – the 47% (receiving "stuff" from the government). They are like the sore losers in the sandbox who pick up their toys and go home if they don't get their way-just because Obama was re-elected. Oh, complainers, Obama's won the popular vote both times. I wasn't happy that George W Bush was elected (twice) and he didn't even win the popular vote both times. I didn't feel the urge to secceed. My guess is they really haven't thought about how a state can exist on it's own.

November 14, 2012 at 2:00 pm |

Rich Texas

The US Constitution is silent on the issue of secession. There is no provision in the Texas Constitution (current or former) that reserves the right of secession, but it does state that "Texas is a free and independent State, subject only to the Constitution of the United States" ... not to the President of the US or even the Congress of the US.
That being said it is not a mater of allowing anything. If Texas wants to succeed it can.

November 14, 2012 at 2:06 pm |

Barbara Smith - Warner Robins, Ga 31088

Texas should be allowed to withdraw from the Union on the condition that they cede all federal entities along with their payrolls like Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, Fort Hood, Wilford Hall...to states that remain loyal to the Union.

November 14, 2012 at 2:12 pm |

RickFromDetroit

YES, Texas should be allowed to secede from the union. Once the secession is complete, Washington should begin removing all of the U.S. Government Property inside of the state. This includes all military equipment at Fort Hood and any other military establishment in the state. All military equipment that the Texas National Guard has received from the U.S. Government, all Federal Government Buildings in the state, all Border Patrol Officers and equipment along the Mexican Border, all of the NASA equipment in Houston, all SSA & Medicare Recipients should be found ineligible for benefits, and if the Mexicans decide to take back the Alamo, tough luck Texas!!

November 14, 2012 at 2:13 pm |

Ann from Charleston, SC

Why not? The radical right could migrate there and leave the rest of us alone. We just need a place for the radical left.

November 14, 2012 at 2:13 pm |

Mysterious

Yes, until the next hurricane arrives. F.E.M.A. anyone?

November 14, 2012 at 2:17 pm |

randy

Not unless they take all the other red state, welfare, trailer park states with them. The pattern for the last 60 years is that the blue states pay more taxes to the federal government than they get back while the red states get more taxes back than they've paid in. My prediction is that the country of redneckistan would fail in about six months. That would be about as long as it would take for the Koch brothers and other billionaire wackos to take the rest of their money.

November 14, 2012 at 2:17 pm |

Ed from Texas

600,000 Americans died resolving this issue. As a U. S. Army veteran, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic...I therefore volunteer to serve on the firing squad for those convicted of treason.

November 14, 2012 at 2:18 pm |

Ed from California

Yes they should, Jack. Of course we're keeping the land. I wish these former US citizens well in their new land of destination......and don't let the boarder gate hit you in the, "behind" on your way out.This is bigotry at it's finest rearing its ugly head. Way to show your cards. The US should close every military base in TX, asap. And the US needs to cut all federal funding of every program asap, too. Isn't this how the Civil War started, in the first place?

November 14, 2012 at 2:22 pm |

Brad, Portland, OR

That question was already answered by the Civil War.

I guess the South just can't accept that they lost....

November 14, 2012 at 2:24 pm |

David of Alexandria VA

probably not. but, we should take heed when texas, a bastion of individuality, personal freedoms, self-sufficiency, and a death penalty that gets used a lot, gets so fed up with the intrusion of Big Government that they would ratte sabres that way. We are a nation composed of confederated states which under the Constitution grant to the federal government those responsibilities which choose to, not the other way around. Next will be Alaska and then Montana.

November 14, 2012 at 2:36 pm |

Mr. D

I thought they already had. Echos of the 1840's. Where is President Polk when we need him?

November 14, 2012 at 2:38 pm |

Peg in NY

Sounds good to me!

November 14, 2012 at 2:43 pm |

Steve, Clifton, Virginia

Sure let the Secede and then cut them off from any DoD defense; Border Patrol; Highway funding or Medicare or FEMA; cut them off from the CDC and Food inspections, FDA and so on. Let them secede and stew in their racism. BTW, Texas is one of the States that receives more Federal funds than other States.

November 14, 2012 at 2:44 pm |

wayne, va beach, va

If they do , Jack , I'm going back home.

November 14, 2012 at 2:45 pm |

Susan-NJ

No they should not. We had a Civil War and those war dead shall not have died in vain. Some of US have relatives that fought in that war to preserve the Union-and that is the way it stays.

November 14, 2012 at 2:46 pm |

xicod MeRichard Oak Harbor, Wa

Texico is a good idea. A right wing autonimous country buffering the United States and Mexico would offer an appealing immigration alternative, a narcotics distribution center and a population of the very rich and their very poor gardeners.

November 14, 2012 at 2:50 pm |

Jane in CA

We settled that issue about 150 years ago. Besides, in 20 years Texas will probably be Democratic again.

November 14, 2012 at 2:53 pm |

Richard Texas

Jack this seceding business is about as amusing as a slinky. Even a slinky will not work without steps. Where would Texas get the billions of dollars that it receives form the federal government every year if it were to secede? Who would provide for those people on entitlements? It al sounds good on the surface but once you have to pay out of your pocket what the federal government would no longer dole out is simply is not feasible to secede.

November 14, 2012 at 2:57 pm |

Name*jonathan ussery

I believe that if our president is trying to turn our country into a social society then they have every right to appeal the right we are a freedom country not a socialism and should remain this way

November 14, 2012 at 3:00 pm |

Martha Brooks

In a word, YES! Then there would be no danger of any future Texas governor ever being elected President!

Martha, Rew, PA

November 14, 2012 at 3:01 pm |

thom richer

Please...please....please!

Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI

November 14, 2012 at 3:03 pm |

Gary H. Boyd

Jack, it's iinteresting that you would ask that about Texas since, here in Arizona, there's a petition floating around that would put our secession from the Union before the White House as well. 25,000 signatures are required by December 10th for that to happen here in Arizona and so far 14,369 have signed up. Obama and Congress have become a train-wreck and , according to USATODAY, more than two dozen other states are headed in that same direction.

Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona

November 14, 2012 at 3:07 pm |

Keith

If they were to leave what would the overall economic impact be on the The Republic of Texas as well as the United states we would lose a lot of lunatics that may be a good thing, how will the Austin petition be affected they want to succeed Texas. This is real comedy

November 14, 2012 at 3:10 pm |

Riley ODay

Yes once they pay us for the federal money spent there in the last 10 years. Who needs em.

November 14, 2012 at 3:10 pm |

ScottsdaleGolferGal

That is a genius idea! No Federal funding or any type of Government assistance such as welfare, social security, medicare, Senators or any elected officials...etc....and may the continuous whining come to an end. Let Tom Delay & Bush's have at it. Hasta la vista, baby!!! Buh-Bye!!!

November 14, 2012 at 3:13 pm |

Bizz, Quarryville Pennsylvania

No, Texas just needs to get rid of or deport the tea party congressman and others like him who wasted the House of Representatives time trying to prove his theory of anchor babies.

November 14, 2012 at 3:13 pm |

Kathy

Yes, but I think those who are promoting secession are rather short-sighted. Trust me, I'd be all for building a really, really tall fence to prevent them from crossing into the "US" without a Visa... and you know how hard those are to get. But I think most Texans are embarrassed by this suggestion.and doubt this will go anywhere. They may not be happy with the election results, but the other half of the country felt the same way when Bush was elected and then re-elected.

November 14, 2012 at 3:14 pm |

George in PA

Only if California goes first, and don't forget Hawaii.

November 14, 2012 at 3:15 pm |

Kevin in CA

You betcha ... as long as we can sell 'em to highest bidder – you know, that business man thingy that produces a profit like Mitt does.

November 14, 2012 at 3:15 pm |

Dave, Kissimmee, FL

Of course. We’ll be better off with out it. They gave us Bush, and they almost gave us Bush Lite as a nominee in the last election So who needs TX? In fact we can do without all the red states that want out. But don’t hold your breath – it’s just a childish bluff.

November 14, 2012 at 3:17 pm |

Dominic Gardunio

Jack,

If Texas wants to secede and wants to be the lone star then let them be the lone star. If we lose Texas than we could get Puerto Rico to replace Texas.

Dominic Gardunio, Kent, Ohio

November 14, 2012 at 3:22 pm |

Richard Preston Kremer, Dayton, Oh.

Should have used partisan instead of bipartisan. Sorry. Got a little passionate after hearing Senator McCain today. I really repect the man but what has happened to these representitives. Should New Jersey secede from the union or New York? 130 million was raised to help. That is what America is. We help each other. Not grab what we can for ourselves and forget about everybody else.

November 14, 2012 at 3:22 pm |

Richard Preston Kremer, Dayton, Oh.

Anyway what will Texas do about the Mexican border? Another alamo perhaps. Will they ask America for help? I take Key West seceding from the US more seriously?

November 14, 2012 at 3:25 pm |

Mark

Texas votes Republican. Republicans live in the past. Let's split it in half. Instead of East and West Texas, we have Red and Blue Texas. We can build a wall in Austin and have two capitals. A future governor can yell, "Mr. President, Tear down this wall." It will be history in the making. PS. The blue half gets the original Neiman Marcus.

November 14, 2012 at 3:29 pm |

Jeffrey

It's an act of war.

November 14, 2012 at 3:29 pm |

Wilhelm in Las Vegas

sure IF they want to end up part of Mexico again some time in the future. IF the demographics of that state continue the way they have been changing, they will have a majority Hispanic population.

November 14, 2012 at 3:39 pm |

Paul from Austin, TX

Well Governor Perry has hinted about that Texas my need to secede to get out of the Socialist States of America.
Texas has it's own farms and ranches oil natural gas FBI (Texas Rangers). Texas can support it self to a point except for Border Patrol and Military or it's own money. Those that really want it seem to think that is also no problem. I was born American and Texan but the real question should be how many would really stay if Texas is allowed to withdrawl and would it be the begining of the split up of the USA and is that what we all really want. What other states or places like Key West would be allowed to join the New Republic of Texas?

November 14, 2012 at 3:41 pm |

LiberalLarry

I live in Dallas and I say let the Tea-Nuts leave.I do have one request though will America please allow me and my family to be refugees because I have no desire be part of their deranged wanna be Empire.

November 14, 2012 at 3:42 pm |

Pat

NO!! Let's not start another Civil War just because some don't like who we elected. We are all in this together so we need to stay together and work together. Hey, how about the President appoint Mitt Romney to help the fiscal cliff thing. Both actually had good ideas and maybe that way we could harvest the best of both sides.

November 14, 2012 at 3:42 pm |

BrainTurnedOff

Sure, why not. The remainder of the U.S. of course has to build a high fence to protect against illegal immigration from Texas, and Texas would have to organize their own military and security agencies – unless they join Mexico again like it was before 1836. It's their call.

November 14, 2012 at 3:44 pm |

Jim Charlotte NC

Please let them go. Take Arizona to. Perry can be President and Sheriff Joe chief executioner.

November 14, 2012 at 3:44 pm |

Sylvia from San Diego

Yes.... Why should they be forced to be part of a dysfunctional country, lead by an incompetent leader?

November 14, 2012 at 3:48 pm |

Chris Kind

"It just won't work folks. Quebec tried that in Canada, They tried to divide the country because they had their own rich natural resources and wanted to separate. Texas and Arizona are part of your great nation and called the UNITED STATES."

November 14, 2012 at 3:49 pm |

Larry in Houston

Those so called "nearly 100,000" signatures – are people signing on time after time, and there isn't any way they can stop people from signing their names hundreds of times. Unless they set it up, to the point where only 1 person can sign Only Once, but I'm not sure that can be done, thru the internet.

November 14, 2012 at 3:50 pm |

Florida Pete

If the majority say secede, and EVERY legal citizen has been allowed to vote aye or nay, and the votes are accurately counted, verified and certified by unimpeachable nonpartisan accounting firms, then hell yeah, let 'em go. Just make sure that you tell them, "there's NO coming back – when you go, you go for good!". Of course they'll never get a majority, but for those that really want to leave, Delta is ready when you are, don't let the door hit you in the butt. I hear Mexico is looking for workers.

November 14, 2012 at 3:51 pm |

Kevin SD CA

You bet! Maybe the border down there will get sealed finally!

November 14, 2012 at 3:55 pm |

Sean from Thousand Oaks, CA

When the founding fathers created this nation, it was intended as just that – a nation.

November 14, 2012 at 4:00 pm |

Ginger

To ALL the 80,000+ people that have signed the Secession Petition in Texas, you should be ashamed of yourselves! You are disgraceful, disrespectful, and unappreciative! Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives trying to get into this great nation, and you ALL take it for granted!!! God said "I will give you gifts, and if you do not appreciate these gifts, I will take them away." So be it! You do not belong here. 80,000+ would love to take your place. I'd welcome them! Perhaps you should be sent to China. You'd then realize what you have lost. Shame on you all.

November 14, 2012 at 4:02 pm |

Phyllis G Williams

Jesus said "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand" (Matthew 12: 25) see Ezekiel 37: 22

November 14, 2012 at 4:05 pm |

Tiger Leahu

If the colonies could secede in the 18thC, then states should be given that right today. States should only be united if its their will, not under threat of force.

November 14, 2012 at 4:06 pm |

AB

The U.S. government should not allow Texas or any other state to secede from the union. I thought that the civil war settled this issue two hundred years ago. The people who signed the secession petitiion are deluded and do not realize that if they are allowed to leave the U.S., Texas's standard of living would decline and taxes would be raised to fund national defense and other functions of a national government. Furthermore, secession would be suicide since it would cause other states to follow suit leading to the dissoluction of the United States. All Americans would be worse off for this endeavor.

November 14, 2012 at 4:06 pm |

Loren, Chicago

Ain't gonna happen. We will survive the next four years and the four years after, etc. Simply because the coastal states re-elected the President doesn't mean the sky will fall, even he is not that inept.

November 14, 2012 at 4:08 pm |

YesTheyCan

Yes, every state should have the constitutional (State not Federal) right to do so. USA is a union of states and once that union is too oppressive or has changed so much that the individual state wants to be independent, they should follow the will of the majority of its citizens.

November 14, 2012 at 4:08 pm |

Paul in NC

Yes, if anyone really thinks they would be better off we certainly don't need them in this country. It would also create a haven for all the tea party wing nuts and other assorted crazies. After they all emigrate to the Lone Star Kingdom the United States will be a far better place.

November 14, 2012 at 4:09 pm |

JM from DFW

Reduce itemized deductions for Texas on the Federal Income Tax Return, Tax Credits for the oil industry and cut defense and you will humble the fools that we have in Taxes (Texas).

November 14, 2012 at 4:13 pm |

Robert in Ohio

Faster than a jackrabbit tryin' to outrun a dust storm, as they would say in Dallas.

November 14, 2012 at 4:14 pm |

Kenneth in California, USA

What a wonderful way to cut the deficit, and take us away from the edge of the cliff.

November 14, 2012 at 4:14 pm |

ken, atlantic city, nj

Yes and so should any other state that is tired of supporting non productive people with welfare food stamps medicaid, and endless unemployment benefits.

November 14, 2012 at 4:15 pm |

Roxy in Iowa

In 2004 we were called un-American if we disagreed with President Bush. I'd say this is as un-American as you can get. Shame on all of them!

November 14, 2012 at 4:17 pm |

Alhazred

Richard Texas

Just so you know, Texas only gets 94% of the money they give to the Feds back.

They would be able to leave AND cut taxes.

Who do you think gives the money to the Feds so that they can redistribute it out?
Try a bit of research before you comment.

November 14, 2012 at 4:21 pm |

Jack, Lancaster, Ohio

Mr. Cafferty:

I wonder...did not these seccessionists read the4 o:clock question ?

November 14, 2012 at 4:21 pm |

Mr. Democrat

Jack, that fact you are even giving this story tv time is absurd, plain and simple.

November 14, 2012 at 4:22 pm |

Tony

I'd like to know if these secessionists think things would be all that different had Romney won. Obama actually wants everyone to have to pay their fair share. If Romney had won, we'd be back to the Bush policies, which I guess we're still technically in, that got us into this economic mess in the first place. Also, Obama has not tried to strip any freedoms from anyone in his first four years.

November 14, 2012 at 4:24 pm |

Robert R

Please go! And take the rest of The South with you. Don't let the screen door hit you on the ass on the way out. We'll all get along better as neighbors rather than family.

November 14, 2012 at 4:24 pm |

Frank Poynton from Los Angeles

If the people who signed those petitions can't stand the heat of President Obamas reelection then I suggest they get out of this countries kitchen. Take a leaf from Mitt Romney's self deportation advocacy and call yourselves self ex-patriots. You won't be missed because somebody who is more grateful about living in the USA will be happy to take your jobs.

November 14, 2012 at 4:25 pm |

Ron

I am concerned that, since President Obama has been re-elected, the people in the Red states seem very upset. I have a modest proposal to deal with this problem:

Revive the Confederacy, and let each state decide which country to join. That way, the Red states can do what they want, in their heart of hearts, to do: ban birth control and abortion, re-criminalize homosexuality, re-institute segregation (or maybe even slavery), expel undocumented immigrants, restrict the franchise to rich white males, make Christianity the state religion, end all regulation of business, etc. The CSA can have Mississippi, Alabama, etc.

The USA will take California, New York, etc. We in the Blue states will no longer have to subsidize the Red states. We will even throw in five Supreme Court justices to sweeten the pot. We can also have an exchange of populations—we will send you our right-wingers, and you can send us your left-wingers (unfortunately, we will end up with most of the educated people, but that can't be helped).

Let's just wish each other well, shake hands, and say good-bye. That way, we will all be happy.

November 14, 2012 at 4:26 pm |

Bob in Eugene, Oregon

There are a lot of great people in Texas, but if they don't agree with laws made by Congress or the decisions of a President elected by the people, we don't need them.
We could give them a free trade agreement like the countries of the European Union have with each other. We could even allow their colleges to continue to play football in the rest of the US.
If a majority of their voters want to secede, let them. They're more trouble than they are worth.

November 14, 2012 at 4:26 pm |

scottbusinesss

It is funny when all you liberals who are holding us hostage talk about Texas as a moocher state because we get more in federal money than we send to Washington. Guess what? All fifty states get more! How is that possible?
Trillion dollar deficits. If I may paraphrase Moses, "Let my people go!"

November 14, 2012 at 4:27 pm |

Bob in Eugene, Oregon

There are a lot of great people in Texas, but if they don't agree with laws made by Congress or the decisions of a President elected by the people of the other 49 states, let them secede. They're more trouble than they are worth.

November 14, 2012 at 4:28 pm |

James

If they want to go I say let them and the second they do we put a wall up on their border and slap them with a trade embargo. This is not just a reaction to policy but to a person as well. If the President getting re-elected was the "catalyzing moment" for this movement is that not a reaction to a person?? Why not do it a month ago? A year ago? They are trying to be politically correct when there is no way for them to sound that way. I hope most normal Texans do not buy into this ludicrous idea and realize that regardless of who the President is the problem is in Congress and their childish behavior. We have already fought a war over this and hundreds of thousands of Americans died because of it. United we stand, divided we fall.

Starkville, MS

November 14, 2012 at 4:29 pm |

Alhazred

AB

First the civil war only confirmed that an imperial president is able to get a lot of people killed.

Second texas already has an army ( national guard). More that 2 brigades of troops, an armor division and multiple fighter wings all state funded with full logistical corps ect. Also 15% of the army is from Texas. Add to that the fact that Texas pays more money to the Feds than they get back.(including salaries of military and ALL base costs) their is no way they will be under guned.

So... You have any other points for me to debunk?

November 14, 2012 at 4:29 pm |

Larry in Houston

It's Too Bad that Ann Richards isn't still alive – I'll bet she's rolling over in her grave. Jack, every state has their Own amount of Loonies, but since Texas has a population of approx. 28 Million people, I guess we have more of them than most states. Hate to admit it, but we've got people down here that is a piece of work, to say the least.

November 14, 2012 at 4:30 pm |

Alhazred

Robert R,

My guess is that we have different political views.

That being said I am glad you support Texas' right to secede.;)

November 14, 2012 at 4:31 pm |

PiedType

I believe the Constitution gives them the right to secede if they want to. Yeah. Good luck with that. No Social Security, no Medicare, no military, no welfare, etc., etc., etc.

Susan R.
Denver

November 14, 2012 at 4:31 pm |

Lynn

Seems like it would be a win-win for them. If there is a natural disaster or war, then the US would run to their assistance at the expense of tax-paying Americans. So they can hang out down there not paying any taxes themselves, but still receive the benefits of being a "foreign nation".

November 14, 2012 at 4:32 pm |

High Sierra Drifter

It is not about Texas actually suceeding.. it is about the hundreds of thousands (30 + states now have similar petittions) of voices that are saying, in effect, that the Federal Government has suceeded from the constitutional American populace

November 14, 2012 at 4:32 pm |

Kristi B

Hell yes, let the secede! But only after they pay back every single dime of federal aid they've ever gotten.

November 14, 2012 at 4:32 pm |

tony

US showed where they stand-on their knees with their hand out--US will be a three world country soon anyway– we are going down–better learn chinese soon. Think of the fall of Rome- we are next.Simple economics- when you spend more than u make-- you sink into bankruptcy.Obama is gonna send us into the hell of bankruptcy. All 50 states have now signed the petition- and the states that have the most signatures are the ones that have the most in the military.You gave away your guns down here we are buying them up.

November 14, 2012 at 4:33 pm |

Barb,

If they think it's so bad, why not move to Iran. Rediculous.

November 14, 2012 at 4:33 pm |

Katie

Considering that most people in every state get mortgage deductions, child tax credits, and other welfare in the form of tax credits, breaks, hoop holes while us unmarried, no kids people have to pay for them, then yea let the go.

November 14, 2012 at 4:33 pm |

Mike Karlis

Out if the 23 other states that want to secede Texas is the only one that economically can. The Texas state govt has a fiscal surplus and has a well functioning economy. It would be almost impossible for a state like Louisiana to function as its own country simply because the economics and fundamentals wouldn't work. So Over all I say yes, let the lone star state become the Republic Of Texas!

November 14, 2012 at 4:33 pm |

Gail, Plano TX.

Jack: I am a transplanted Texan. Originally from NYC. This is all about race. Trust me! The hatred for President is paraded around by professional people as well as the poor. I was told to go back to NY after I took umbrage at a man in a hallmark gift shop for calling the President a n-–r! I am a white woman. Voted twice for the President. Would do it again in a NY minute. I am totally embarrassed by this state.

November 14, 2012 at 4:34 pm |

Douglas Fields

GREAT IDEA, if the point is really for Texas to lead the charge in secession to be later joined by 15 or 20 like minded states. Our country is divided and I do not see reconciliation possible. We've always been a country with divided political leanings, but, in times past these disagreements were on different interpretations on common founding principles. No more, the current administration and approximately 35% to 40% of the electorate want a country that is fundamentally different than what the Founding Fathers ever envisioned for this country. Another 35% to 40% want to maintain the heritage of this country's beginning. Then there are 20% to 30% that probably lean closer one way or the other, but, vote more on the pressing need of the day and not with any ideological vision. I think it would be grand if a new Confederacy were established and allowed to compete head to head with Obamanation. I don't think there is any doubt that this new Confederacy would quickly bleed Obamanation of it's best and brightest and those who wish to live free based on this country's original purpose!

November 14, 2012 at 4:34 pm |

Bobby Childs

I was born and raiswd in east Texas. My grandfather faught in the CIVEL WAR on the south side. Just think how many jobds and every thin else there is in Texas, Military, IRS, all federal jobs. no more protection from foren intervention. Have to have a passport to leave the state. Some body better think about what they want. I think it is STUPID MOVE.

November 14, 2012 at 4:34 pm |

Alhazred

James,

A trade embargo?

Hahahahahaha. Where do you think America gets a huge % of is oil. ... Any guess as to it's natural gas?

Lol.

Wouldn't hurt texas much, but would increase profits to Mexico acting as middle man for Chinese goods and texas oil.

McCain sounds like a bitter old man who needs to go lay down and get his bearings! Iowa

November 14, 2012 at 4:35 pm |

Linda in Arizona

Why do you pay attention to these nuts? Do you really think the shock value will increase your ratings? Aren't there more pressing matters to discuss than the antiquated, crazy notions of a few permanently disgruntled cranks in backward states? Ignore them. If they want to secede, let them try. How about some self-deportation in THIS matter?

November 14, 2012 at 4:36 pm |

Lee J. Morales

Texas has shown great resilience in the Obama recessionn with great job growth, lower taxes, and good old fashioned hard work.
Conservative States generally do better than liberal States like California because of sound economic policies; However the Great State of Texas is a vital asset to the United States and should remain a part of the Union and nor scurry in the face of economic termoil.

November 14, 2012 at 4:36 pm |

mel

not until I get there PLEASE?

November 14, 2012 at 4:37 pm |

Colton

I have two opinions: One, If Texas secedes, we have two problems; Mexico and the United States. We could have a Security treaty with the United States like they have with Israel. The second opinion is that if we do secede, we will have good out of it. We can have the Security treaty with the United States or any other country like France, Mexico, Germany, Russia, etc. We can then have a lot of trade partners and join treaties like the U.N. NATO, etc.

Colton from Flower Mound, Texas.

November 14, 2012 at 4:37 pm |

Ryan

Texas alone has the 11 larges economy in the world. Why should Texas be dragged to the fare lower level of liberal agenda. REMEMBER THE ALAMO

November 14, 2012 at 4:38 pm |

Jerry Jacksonville, Fl.

What would you expect from a bunch of Republicans that cannot stand the idea that the President got elected for four more years, you can bet they were old fat white evangelical republicans

November 14, 2012 at 4:38 pm |

jones

It the real question "Should they be allowed to?" or is it "Should they be forced to?"!

November 14, 2012 at 4:39 pm |

William

Texas is a "giver state" in that it gives more to the government then it takes. Most people are Ok with this idea down here, but they are scared of being branded as "anti-American" . I would like some more autonomy from Washington , but without actually leaving the US, kind of like Puerto Rico. But if it came down to it, I would vote in favor of secession.
(Dallas TX)

November 14, 2012 at 4:40 pm |

Robert W.

for crying out loud. secession is so 19th century. just declare jihad like the rest of the world, otherwise be american, go back to your job and support your family, you know, like the rest of us normal folk.

November 14, 2012 at 4:40 pm |

Ryan

The "nearly 100,000" people who signed this make up less than .4% of all Texans. So let's not send them all packing based on the shortsighted reactionary wishes if a minority. But sure, Rexas should be allowed to go, providing that the Dallas Cowboys and their fans also secede from the NFL.

November 14, 2012 at 4:40 pm |

John

Before Texans decide whether or not they want to secede perhaps they should spend a little time on rational thought. They have more military bases than any other state, and that item alone accounts for a tremendous amount of money flowing in that is coming from other states. They should also consider their vulnerability to foriegn powers. They can sign treaties with others to help protect them, but at what cost. No, secession is something that would be gleefully accepted by those who want to see the United States destroyed.

November 14, 2012 at 4:41 pm |

jen seattle wa

Only if they take the oil and gas industrialist who want to accomodate the consumption malfunction m.p.g. autos that saturated our country thanks in large part to republicans derailing our country with 20th century deregulated autos ,with them..That mean the fools in oklahoma led by senator inhofe needs to go with them.

November 14, 2012 at 4:41 pm |

James

San Antonio, Texas
Get real. Texas was overall Republican but more than 4/10 people statewide voted Democrat.
IIf you show the states in a Red/Purple/Blue spectrum you can see that almost every state is purple. These secessionists just want to voice their displeasure with the election that didn't go their way but there is no way many of them would actually vote for secession if it ever came to it. Every major city in Texas was a solid blue. What kind of state has holes like Swiss cheese where the cities don't secede. The Republic of Swiss Texas?

November 14, 2012 at 4:42 pm |

Barbara larue

I think they should.... I am from Missouri, and have to put up with worrying if i am eligible for things... When in truth at my age I am and my husband is too.... but we worry every year if we will get our COLA because of poor management...I say give them a chance... THE REST OF THE COUNTRY MIGHT HAVE TO PAY MORE FOR GAS ,I hope!

November 14, 2012 at 4:42 pm |

Alhazred

Piedtype,

No social security, no Medicare no welfare NO PROBLEM. Those are reasons they want to leave.

No army??? Are you kidding? National guard in Texas alone is one of the biggest armies in the world (top 10 level) Add to that the fact that 15% of the federal army is from Texas. Texas only gets back 94% of the money they give the Feds. That number includes military salaries and federal base costs in Texas. From that we know that Texas could keep paying all these people and still beagle to cut taxes.

November 14, 2012 at 4:43 pm |

Tess In Mississippi

YES,Let them!!!!!!!

November 14, 2012 at 4:44 pm |

Jeff In Minnesota

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has thought about it a few times, why not Texas? The South seceded at the start of the Civil War, so there is legal precedence. At least Texas has an economy that they can rely on that might be able to make secession work. If they want to leave, so be it. Sam Houston must be spinning in his grave.

November 14, 2012 at 4:45 pm |

John

Ok Jack,, What happens when a Cat 5 Hurricane plows up through the middle of the state wiping out everything in its path out? Who are they going to call? Or worse yet what military is going to help them out when the Mexicans knock that fence down and Annex the state for Mexico. I hope the Texans are smarter than a few of them seem to be.

November 14, 2012 at 4:46 pm |

AA In Oklahoma

Yes, let them go! If they don't want federal funding, don't make them take it. Leaves more for the ones who really need it. No more FEMA in Houston. Send it to the East Coast.

November 14, 2012 at 4:46 pm |

scott

This globalization of a welfare/entitlement state will not and cannot stand. It is a way for the government to grow and do what they want. This is the first step to taking back our freedoms.

November 14, 2012 at 4:46 pm |

Barbara in Oregon

As the current administration seems to be destroying this incredible country, I feel it is absolutely necessary that SOMEONE make noise about it. Noise that can be heard and has muscle behind it. I say, BRAVO Texas! The message is obvious: we, the people, are not happy with the federal government. The more people who sign on, the better. However,(and there is a however), there's no way the federal government will "allow" Texas or any other state to become an independent country. Therefore it could get nasty. Maybe it has to.

November 14, 2012 at 4:47 pm |

Nicc Thompson

This is an interesting thing to see. I think its obvious that this should not and will not happen. By seceeding from the union it would make America look weak in the midst of a very touchy situation involving the middle east. This is similar to children playing together; When one child wins the loser yells "I don't want to play anymore, I quit!"

November 14, 2012 at 4:48 pm |

William

Yes, Texas has the ability to form a separate country and the ability to sustain itself. It's views as a state are unconstitutionally being imposed upon by ridiculous federal laws.

November 14, 2012 at 4:48 pm |

FiveLakesRaven

I believe the people of TX should vote on it internally; if it passes; sure leave them to there own devices but cut off cold turkey..no transition just slam the door on all Federal benefits. Have no formal diplomatic relations with Tx and maintain an embargo which makes it illegal for U.S. corporations to do business with Tx. Treat the Texan = Cubans

November 14, 2012 at 4:49 pm |

Ragatang in Dallas,Texas

Please, let Texas secede. Let United States expel all its representatives and let Texas pay back all the millions of stimulus money that they took. Rick Perry will become the first President. How pathetic
This shows why Texas is at the bottom of intelligent ladder.

November 14, 2012 at 4:49 pm |

Mike in Minneapolis

I guess it's a good thing we didn't build that fence...yet.

November 14, 2012 at 4:50 pm |

Carl in Missouri

I don't know why we let them in, in the first place. However anything is negotiable. I’m sure Missouri will vote in favor of Texas succession if they send Ron Washington to Kansas City.

November 14, 2012 at 4:50 pm |

Steven

All these people saying that secession is so bad and it is. However, the states have the right to secede from the union if they so wish so nothing can be done. If the federal government stops this process than everyone will start to wonder what other of our rights the federal government will take away. But I think we are missing the bigger picture here. I think that all these states are petitioning to secede to force the government to actually take action and do something. If the federal government does not fix the problems that it has created then why not just leave it behind? Why stick with a system if it is broken and is just going to get even worse?

November 14, 2012 at 4:50 pm |

Alhazred

Kristi B

I agree. ... But,I mean the other way around. The Federal government takes more from Texas than they give back...
I also would like the Feds to give Texas back all of the money that was paid into the social security ponzu scheme.

Texas is owed quite a bit of money by the feds when you do the math.

Or we could let bygones be bygones and just let them go.

November 14, 2012 at 4:50 pm |

Wooo liberal president YaaaaY

To all those using computers they gained from government benefits to post here I bid you a warm welcome to the reality that it was YOU who caused the national debt. If YOU really want to do something about all these "crazy" people in Texas do the rest of us "wealthy republicans" a favor and get a job. That's right work for your money then when you get your check and half of it is gone to the federal government to give some other slack individual drugs, or a computer to take a dump on real news with you may be a little "crazy" yourself. I hope Texas succeeds to no state provides more military members think about that while your sleeping all cozy in your assisted living residence. All liberal really means is I wanna handout.It is clear the rest of us are not willing to front you lazy people anymore of our hard earned money to chill with your homies and stay in the local government assistance building till someone gives you something.

November 14, 2012 at 4:50 pm |

FujiRon

Let the people who signed the petition leave. Their absence would be less than noticeable and everyone much happier.

November 14, 2012 at 4:50 pm |

Dakota57

Absolutely let them go. Along with their deep federal funds pockets. While their at it make it a sancturary for all the other traitors who have reared their ugly heads lately.. Donald Trump would be one who could join the masses of wingers.
Strip the state of anything owned by the US given it won't be part of the US anymore. All jobs, bases, military individuals and their income they flush the Texas economy with. SS, Medicare, Medicaid, FEMA.. all of it.. take it away. Let them complain to their own newly minted government officials when the borders become the mainstreets of Mexico. It wouldn't be long without Federal intervention before Texas was overtaken by the drug cartels.
The only thing that should be left is a high wall surrounding the state topped with razor wire and electrified so when they try to flee as illegal immigrants back into the US their stopped in their tracks. Texas is big enough for it to be home to all these successionists.

November 14, 2012 at 4:51 pm |

Alhazred

AA in Oklahoma

Yep I agree. Stop taking Texas money and soverenty and stop giving them back 94% of it.

Let Texas be Texas. Live and let live.

November 14, 2012 at 4:52 pm |

Tired

Gregory Learned
"After all we are a part of the United
States of America indivisible, under God and with liberty and justice for all."

but we are being divided, we are not under God anymore, and liberty and justice only exists for Obama donors.

November 14, 2012 at 4:53 pm |

Spendlove

These people are welcome to leave the Union at anytime, I hear Mexico is great this time of year..

November 14, 2012 at 4:53 pm |

alonestartexan

I signed the petition and I follow the Texas Nationalist Movement, The time has come for the State of Texas to once again become the People's Republic of Texas. Generally, Texans are sick and tired of Washington making laws that don't make sense for Texans. The Federal Government allows illegal immigration to run rampant in the Southwestern states in our country and do little to help us. Our hospitals are going broke, our school system is flooded with students that don't know English, I truly believe that 2012 is not 1836, Texas now has vast natural resources such as oil and natural gas, we have advanced technology, the 15th largest economy in the world with one of the busiest ports in the country, Texas can take care of itself. I'm NOT a Republican, and despite most of the liberal comments on most of these forums, not every person that's in favor of secession is racist. The fact that President Obama was elected in 2008, without this uproar, should serve as proof that this is NOT about race, it's about the direction the country is going into and the absolute fiscal mess that this country is in. Obviously, it's not a popular choice as most Americans today are liberal because of government handouts, and I've read countless stories that the left are "laughing at conservatives" over these petitions, I don't believe that anyone that's signed these petitions, or wants to secede, really care what liberals think, want, or laugh about.

I can't speak for the other 35 states or however many it's up to now, but Texas can survive. If more states want to come with us, and form a country of former states, that would okay too.

November 14, 2012 at 4:53 pm |

Phil

Let them leave and we will build a fence along the Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico borders. They can pass all the pro-gun laws they want. We will, however, somehow find a way to keep Austin as a US protectorate.

November 14, 2012 at 4:54 pm |

Dakota57

Barbara in Oregon,
Why would you encourage that sort of division in the US ?
This isn't just making a noise. What? We don't have enough fighting and ugliness on our hands with the middle east? We need to bring it to our own lands?

November 14, 2012 at 4:54 pm |

Jo An

Give Texas a Time Out with Community Service and some history books to read!!!! They are in the slow group !!!!!

November 14, 2012 at 4:54 pm |

Larry in Houston

Jack – James in San Antonio @ 4:42 pm says it best (among others) but Houston and 5 other Major cities here in Texas went BLUE in this election cycle. I suspect ( in my opinion) that by 2020 ( with the migration of people from other states) Texas will Be BLUE, all the way .

November 14, 2012 at 4:55 pm |

Mike Mckee

I truly believe that Texans do not want to secede form the United States. I think what most of the people who have signed the petition want Texas to become a Territory of the United Staes like Puerto Rico or Guam. (Texas)

November 14, 2012 at 4:55 pm |

zimbo zambo

So 1/1000th of the U.S. population signed petitions to secede.

I say we carve out 1/1000th of the U.S. territory and give it to them, free of charge, to use as their permanent place of residence so long as they don't try to cross over onto our land.

This is actually quite great news. We'd finally be able to put Calexico to good use.

November 14, 2012 at 4:55 pm |

Ralph Nelson

Yes, it would do all of us good. Next to last in education it should be allowed to go. Our country has already been too much damaged by presidents from Texas. Let any of the other backward states go with them as long as they have common borders. From Vietnam to Iraq, to Afghanistan...thanks Texas.

November 14, 2012 at 4:55 pm |

snowdogg

Didn't the Federal Government fight to prevent the division of the USA? Wasn't it called the Civil War?

November 14, 2012 at 4:55 pm |

zimbo zambo

You know, they could put together a pretty good leadership team if they really wanted it. Just picture it: Rick Santorum is President with Rick Perry as VP, Ashcroft's got his old job back, Sarah Palin won't have a job, but will be allowed to dress slightly provocatively and stand on a pedestal at the Congressional meetings (but not too provocatively, or Ashcroft will have to cover her up), and Joe Arpaio's doin his thing, taking care of law enforcement and immigration. No need for two political parties, one's enough. And they could add as many references to God and Christianity as they want in their new Constitution. Life could be beautiful for them.

Oh yeah, and Todd Akin could be the Secretary of Education, and Richard Mourdock could be the Chairman of the Women's Rights Committee. LOL.

November 14, 2012 at 4:56 pm |

MH

Dallas, Tx – SECEDE. The Federal government is not and has not been in touch with the realities of the American people for a long time.

November 14, 2012 at 4:56 pm |

Alhazred

John,

Factoring in those bases Texas stills pays more in taxes to he Feds than they get back.

Texas only gets 94% back of what they send to the Feds. That includes ALL rents welfare salaries ect.

November 14, 2012 at 4:56 pm |

Chat Pata

It should be allowed to go back to Mexico. No more oil lobby meaning no stopping us from alternate energy, no pollution, no stopping Detroit from making fuel efficient cars. We should ship all red necks there, where they can learn Intelligent Design and Creation theory instead of biotech and genetics.

November 14, 2012 at 4:56 pm |

California Gary

Sure.......let 'em go. Think of all the federal money we'll save by not having to patrol their border, and by not having to provide aid for their next hurricane or wildfire. Not to mention whatever agricultural and business subsidies they currently bring into the state. As a side benefit, the average IQ of Americans will shoot up dramatically once Texans are removed for the pool. Let 'em go.

November 14, 2012 at 4:58 pm |

DrJStrangepork

It would be a very interesting experiment. They should put it to a vote in Texas. On the next ballot, they should ask the population to approve an act to secede.

I don't believe that it would pass. Pleas remember that a small, but vocal minority is exactly that... a minority.

November 14, 2012 at 4:58 pm |

Chris

I say let them go. Of course, they will have to repay the federal government every dime they have ever taken since becoming a state, they will have to dig up every federal highway, school, military installation (well, the US will keep them as independent territories, but Texas can't have access), the ports will remain federal, water access will remain federal (fresh water pumped in from surrounding states will be blocked off or sold to Texas), they will have to pay for their own border security. We can just move the fence a bit north, cause we don't want Texans (say with a squeaky voice). What else am I missing? Maybe then we will stop having to listen to them complain.

November 14, 2012 at 4:58 pm |

RJknowsit

The question should be, why not? We are a free people who's government works for us not the other way around. What liberals don't understand is you can't take from one person and give to the other without making the poor more poor. That's because theirs a third party taking from both. The 1st party will only decrease costs or increase prices and the third party will only take in more and the 2nd party always gets screwed! Until we shrink this government it's only a matter of time.

November 14, 2012 at 4:59 pm |

TX Resident Pearls

I'm a bit embarassed of all this talk of Texas becoming an independent country. Does anyone really think through the ramifications of such actions. Down to the details of education, our jobs, our daily lives are influenced by many federal laws. It has taken over 200 years for our local and federal government to evolve to where we are today. Do people really think it's that easy to just decide from one day to another..."oh, yes, let's pick up and leave." I mean really, some common sense and rational thinking would be good here, and all because Democrats and Republicans don't want to play nice in Congress.

November 14, 2012 at 4:59 pm |

John

As I read through comments I am reminded of a great quote, stupid parents breed stupid kids. Did you hear any of these Texans whine when their beloved son Pres. Bush about bankrupted our country over 2 wars and endless spending on his part.....NO we didn't hear nothing.

November 14, 2012 at 4:59 pm |

steve

Sure let them go. As a lone nation, they would not last a decade. Surrounded by the US and Mexico. With the drug cartels invading the Texas nation. No Navy to protect the shores. Think Texans would still have no state income tax? Price of food and goods would skyrocket. Have to have a passport to go anywhere outside Texas.

November 14, 2012 at 4:59 pm |

RinosRwinos

This is from a small group of flakes in the Tea Party and extreme right wing organizations. Most Texans have more common sense. So if Texas succeeds from the union and is overtaken by Mexico (through immigration) then Texas is back where it started 150 yrs ago.

November 14, 2012 at 5:00 pm |

lardoggy

This could be better than watching UFC fights,at this time in America its really not a bad ideal to have states secede,being the way the government is running and has our nation split down the middle.Freedom or dicate,its our choice.

November 14, 2012 at 5:00 pm |

james pfeiffer

I think as long as they have their guns they would be fine...because they're going to need them when the roads, bridges, buildings, disaster relief, social security, army, navy, airforce, etc, etc. disappear and begin to deteriorate. There is a big elephant still hiding in the old confederacy.

November 14, 2012 at 5:00 pm |

John

Can't we just sell Texas to pay off the National Debt?

November 14, 2012 at 5:00 pm |

The_Mick

This is ridiculous and a disservice to the citizens of the USA – not surprising considering the author. No state would vote to secede, but there are always idiots who think they should. When Cafferty mentions Blue States like Delaware and Pennsylvania, it shows there's no limit to how low he will stoop to sling mud on a Democratic White House. What a piece of mud!

November 14, 2012 at 5:00 pm |

alonestartexan

@James, the only cities in Texas that were "solid blue" were El Paso and Austin, at over 60%.

San Antonio was 52% in favor of Obama
Dallas was 57% in favor of Obama
Houston was only 49% in favor of Obama, as a matter of fact, he won Harris County by 2 votes.
Ft. Worth was won by Romney.

Before you spew facts, get them right.

November 14, 2012 at 5:01 pm |

john in texas

This is not about democrats or repblicans. This is state and federal issues. For over 100 years texas has sought to secede. When is goverment to big to fail? where are citizens rights?

November 14, 2012 at 5:01 pm |

Dean

Julie from Chicago – and just how much money for schools does Texas receive from the feds? Also are you will to stop all social security payments and earned benefits to all Americans who do not live in the U.S.?

November 14, 2012 at 5:01 pm |

Cadillacjoe

Put it on a statewide ballot. If they want to go, let them go, but they should have to buy every square inch of federal land from the US Govt. I'm sure Puerto Rico would be happy to take Texas' star on on our flag.

November 14, 2012 at 5:01 pm |

Bob Cobb

What a joke. This is nothing more than an irresponsible media attempt to create another fake "issue" for people to argue about – why doesn't the media discuss real issues like how to balance the budget? Because they aren't "entertaining" enough?

November 14, 2012 at 5:02 pm |

JOEY ROLAND

As a texan i do not think we should secede...i spent 4 yrs overseaes defeding all americans not just texas, dont get me wrong i love my state and i am a texan before all else but...you think its a problem now with mexican families being seperated by a border.....imagine all the families torn apart by this.....not to mention the severe dent it would put in our national defense capabilities, it would also destabilize the econmy of both entities.....SO no bad idea.....P.S....this idead is brought up by a group of screw jobs its not even a small minority...its a percent of a percent so i dont know why all these people are trash talking texas and comparing us to the rest of the south....you A**holes are acting like you dont have extremists in your own state, most of the people on here have petitions for there state to ours has more signitures because our state has more people...simple math...anyway excuse my bad grammer and spelling...you all have a good evening no matter what state you live in....

November 14, 2012 at 5:02 pm |

Brandon

If Texas had an official vote for secession, and the people voted in favor of secession then they should absolutely be allowed to. Our government requires the consent of the governed.

November 14, 2012 at 5:02 pm |

texasnotea

Obama hasn't destroyed anything nor has he intentions of destroying anything. You gop'ers have made all this up out of your hatred for him. You talk about Obama not leading but the truth is your party leaders have failed miserably in leading anything or anybody! What Romney, Ryan, Cantor and Mcconnell should do immeadiatly is grab a microphone and tell all of you to calm down, Obama won fair and square and the world is not going to end because he was re-elected. They should also remind all of you that nobody ever wins by acting like they were screwed and blaming all of their misfortune on everything and everybody. Take the high ground! You are all better than what you have been showing. Stop whining in public where everybody can see and hear you. Take one of those responsibility pills you cry so loudly that everybody else should take. No one is going to ever side with you as long as you continue this behavior.

November 14, 2012 at 5:02 pm |

betterdays

Everyone keeps talking about "red states" that take more than they contribute. To be more fair and accurate, why don't we just find each ndividual who takes more than he or she contributes, round them up and put them all off in a corner somewhere? How does your logic sound now? Got a good answer for that? What do you think that "new nation" would look like? I've got a pretty telling picture in my mind. It's filled with the demograhics that voted for Obama, along with a bunch of children the Democrats would gladly have allowed to vote if they thought they could get away with it.

November 14, 2012 at 5:02 pm |

Tavi

Texas should be allowed to secede, but only after the Constitution is amended to allow for states to secede and to establish the full process. So people are jumping the gun, they should be petitioning for an amendment to the constitution to allow for states to secede and to establish the process first.

November 14, 2012 at 5:02 pm |

Steve

Our country is filled with too many tax takers and not enough tax payers. I hope Texas pursues what the citizens of their state feel is best for them. I hope they show what our country was built on and prove how far we have strayed from what made us great.

Government assistance used to be the Fed's providing money to fund infrastructure improvement projects now the "needy" just want a check as if they did something to deserve support. Our Government bypasses standard protocols to back companies like Soylndra which turn out to be a total sham.

To those commenting on how Texas is going to miss their federal aid, you honestly don't seem to understand what they are trying to get away from.

November 14, 2012 at 5:02 pm |

TexasBorder

This is indicative of the mindset of stupidity. As usual, not even a detailed study of the ramifications of such a move. Typical of Texas to even contemplate such an action. The State can't even fund it's own kid's public education how would they even expect to further this agenda if they make such a move? Dumb!!!!!!

November 14, 2012 at 5:03 pm |

Cadillacjoe

Put it on a statewide ballot. If they want to go, let them go, but they should have to buy every square inch of federal land from the USA I'm sure Puerto Rico would be happy to take Texas' star on on our flag.

November 14, 2012 at 5:03 pm |

Evelyn

Yes,let them go but first send all the illegals to Texas,then tell Mexico they can have it back..

November 14, 2012 at 5:03 pm |

Mark.....in Houston

I moved to Texas in 1986. It took me about a week to realize that many in this state are prejudiced, chest pounding, bravado talking types with little education and proud of it. I would be more than happy to show that bunch...the door. But as a whole Texas needs to stay right where it is. The state is starting to change, especially in urban areas and before too many more elections pass the state is going to start looking a lot more blue . When that happens maybe a good proportion of the population that prefers the good old days of white supremacy will simply...self deport.

November 14, 2012 at 5:03 pm |

Dakota57

Better yet, given the population of Texas is 26,403,743 as of 2012 the 100,000 is a drop in the bucket. Hardly a demand made by more than the smallest minority of its citizens. Cordone off an area the size of a small town and give it to them. Leave the rest of Texas to its remaining 26,303,743 citizens.
Then wall in that small town and let the rest of us go on with life minus the nonsense.

November 14, 2012 at 5:03 pm |

Indiana

But would this mean i would lose my local Teas Corral? I do not really care if Texas wants to leave, it's America. However, I would really miss the fresh bread and throwing peanuts on the floor while I wait for my hamburger.

Yes, but not until all the military bases in Texas are closed and destroyed.

November 14, 2012 at 5:03 pm |

Cadillacjoe

Put it on a statewide ballot. If they want to go, let them go, but they should have to buy every square inch of federal land from the US Govt. I'm sure the Puerto Ricans would be happy to take Texas' star on on our flag.

November 14, 2012 at 5:03 pm |

mako

It's a terrible and irresponsible idea. But I gotta say – the leftest liberals are just as bad here on the forums as well as during the election with being hateful and disrespectful. Democrats are not helping this country unite – they are helping divide it. No one seems to be looking at the global picture of how this is making the U.S. look like a bunch of crying infants. Yeah – you too liberals. Get over yourselves.

November 14, 2012 at 5:04 pm |

Mike in TX

Anyone who thinks about the financials alone for 60 second would move on to the really important things in their lives. Many have said that those who want to take this path should be deported. I don't think they should be deported instead help them to look around and see, other than the one or two things they are so upset about, the many blessings they are surrounded with. If they are still of the mind that the US is not for them then for the cost of a passport and a couple of plane tickets they can, as Gov. Romney suggested, self deport and experiment life in other countries before they give everything up.

November 14, 2012 at 5:04 pm |

Robin

If Texas Secedes then I'm moving there! The Federal Government is a drag on the economy of Texas. Texas doesn't need the feds to survive, it will do just fine. The current Federal Government is trying to create an entitlement society that is unsustainable just to stay in power. Without the Feds Texas can right the ship and make its citizens accountable and correct the wrongs of what is happening now which is– representation without taxation.

November 14, 2012 at 5:06 pm |

Gravis

Excellent! The less stupid in this country, the better off we'll be! Texas is a great start!

November 14, 2012 at 5:06 pm |

Cadillacjoe

They can go as soon as they pay for the federal lands they take. We have others lining up to take Texas' star on our flag.

November 14, 2012 at 5:06 pm |

Bertro

It is all moot. The American Civil War !861-1865 elimated the matter of any state henceforth from ceceding from the Union

November 14, 2012 at 5:06 pm |

Michael

Fine, as long as...
– They lose all benefits to any taxes they've paid in, including Social Security and Medicare.
– They lose all citizenship rights.
– Any citizen who disagrees with their decision is given an amnesty period to move back to the 49 states.
– Any federal property (including military bases and NASA) is returned to the United States, remains under US jurisdiction, or the US is fairly compensated.
– No declaration of war may be made against the US.
– Free trade between Texas and the US must exist (in other words, relations similar to Canada's).

November 14, 2012 at 5:06 pm |

Jamison from Boise

I totally agree with Texas succeeding from the union. Then we can declare war on this new foreign country, wipe out the idiots behind this treasonous idea and then reclaim the state. Seems like a good method to rid us once and for all of the Big Hat no Cattle people wielding stupid idea.s

November 14, 2012 at 5:06 pm |

loverpoint

All you need to do is say that the Dallas Cowboys could never be called "Americas Team" anymore, and that none of their colleges, universities or professional teams could compete with the rest of the USA and you will shut down any notion of this ever happening.

November 14, 2012 at 5:06 pm |

Angel

First of all.... hate to tell people this but Texas is not the only "Welfare State", every state is a welfare state, please pick one that is not..... dont worry ill wait. As for the fence idea really??? Yea that has worked so far right??? Second, um, Texas is not the only state with this petition..... all but 3 have the same one! As to oh let them go wont be missed, lol, I really hate to rain on your parade...... but Texas is a big part of the economy.......military.....best hospitals, doctors in the world. An people that dont live in Texas..... well worry about your state an your own problems. To the people that say its about Obamas skin color..... wow, maybe you should look deep inside an figure out what would make you even think such a close minded thought. If that was the case....um, well this would of happened 4 years ago. To the people with the deporting petition...... well I think this is called peoples freedom of speech.... an if you believe an signed that petition well then you dont know your constitution.... might want to read up on it. As for this Texan...... give us change an get back to the constitution, or break free!!!

November 14, 2012 at 5:07 pm |

IsItDemocracy?

Seems pretty clear what is going on. Significant numbers of people appear to believe in democracy just exactly as long as the democracy chooses to do what they personally think is right. As soon as the democracy makes a different choice their belief in democracy seems to kind of crash.

If this sentiment proves to be the majority feeling in Texas the state should not be allowed to secede. Rather, it should be expelled from the Union for it's obvious lack of support for the Constituion.

November 14, 2012 at 5:07 pm |

Walter

There is little to nothing "united" about the United States. It's just a matter of time before secession begins.

November 14, 2012 at 5:07 pm |

Leo in San Antonio

Por favor. Texas needs to succeed before it secedes. If we can get all of the Texas children to graduate from school, the children will become adults too smart to vote for secession. If not, we should let the dummies get their wish.

November 14, 2012 at 5:07 pm |

Jonathan

The last I checked, we are "one nation under God". We come together as a whole and support our President, regardless if he was the candidate we voted for. If Texas, mind you all they have given to us these past 12 years are migraines in the form of George Bush and Jerry Jones, can not accept this then let them leave.

November 14, 2012 at 5:07 pm |

Dakota57

Alhazred,
Texas has been a slowly dying state for decades with only a couple exceptions. When was the last time you visited Dallas? It more resembles a growing ghost town than the busy hub it once was.. back in its day. Now Texas is the queen state of min wage jobs other than a couple of its cities.
I was in Dallas in 2006 and was astounded at how many empty business fronts there were. And back again in 2008 & 2011. There isn't much difference.

November 14, 2012 at 5:07 pm |

Aaron

It takes a true patriot to want to secede from the United States ... er...wait a second.

November 14, 2012 at 5:07 pm |

bcc, LA, Ca

Texas is the next blue state, look at the demographics so why would the President want to lose that.

November 14, 2012 at 5:08 pm |

lauren

I am from Midland, TX, homewtown of George W. Bush and the majority of people I know would love for Texas to secede. This is not a new concept though for Texans to imagine. I agree that it is our right to stand up to a federal government that has exceeded its power but this just seems like rich Texans scared of a raise in taxes.

November 14, 2012 at 5:08 pm |

Mike

II thought they were gone already since they seem so un-American. I guess that's really just some of them, and not all of them, though. Same folks think democracy is great as long as they are in the majority and get their way. When not in the majority they turn away from democracy. How juvenile can one be – I'm not winning, so I'll take my marbles and leave? Doesn't work that way.

November 14, 2012 at 5:08 pm |

Shawn

The fact of the matter is our once great nation is failing. It was inevitable and predictable given the course of previous historical occurrences. I has nothing to do with any one particular blame. Environment or otherwise. It has nothing to do with race. The system is bloated, corrupt, and dysfunctional. When 1 person 1 vote no longer matters. When the protest from the majority of the people as a whole fall on deaf ears. Democracy fails. I feel this is the true core of what is triggering what is happening. I am proud of what we were. A great nation standing strong. A shining example of what can be accomplished when many people come together under an idea.
America was the melting pot. It wasn't one persons rights over another based on anything. It was an idea, that through our combined strengths, we became a nation to be proud of.
Now, everyone wants there slice of the pie, and to take what is not rightfully theirs to take. Equality means equality. No one should have special privileges over another to be truly equal.
I hang my head over what we have become, and I am not alone.

November 14, 2012 at 5:10 pm |

alonestartexan

Larry in Houston, If you take a look at voting trends in Texas over the past two elections...

By those numbers, the theory that Texas is turning blue is squashed, if anything, this election showed that it's going red again.

Before you spout that Harris County and Houston are blue, look at the facts that Obama won Harris County by a small margin, then look at demographics of Houston, the Metro area of Houston is comprised of over 6 million people, only 2.2 million live in Harris County. The only border county of Harris that wasn't atleast 60% in favor (or more) of Romney was Ft. Bend. Montgomery and Liberty counties were just a shade under 80% in favor of Obama, this includes the home of some of Houston's wealthy in The Woodlands.

November 14, 2012 at 5:10 pm |

NealS

Regardless of whether or not today it is a feasible idea it is within our right, guaranteed by our state constitution that we have the right to secede from the Union. The Union is not a single body but just that, a UNION of individuals with individual rights. Central to states rights is the right to self-govern. A fact that seems to be lost on people today as they ignorantly march this country straight into a centrally governed Federal holding company for foreign investors.

We therefor have no reason to petition for the right to leave at all. Any who question this are simply ignorant of the facts of the matter and should do a bit more research before simply spouting off nonsense on a public forum.

November 14, 2012 at 5:10 pm |

DougW

Wow, all the crazies are coming out of the closet for this issue. Get a grip folks. First, 100,000 signatures does not come close to the level that would be required to allow a state to apply for succession from the union. It would take a super-majority, which clearly won't happen since 41% of Texans who voted voted form Obama. even if EVERY person who voted for Romney went along with the succession crackpots, it wouldn't be enough votes. Second, the proposal would have to be agreed to by both houses of congress, which clearly would never happen. Better to just wish for Texas to break off from the mainland and float out into the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, that is far more likely to happen.

November 14, 2012 at 5:11 pm |

Travis Anderson

As a Texan, I find it incredibly stupid for anyone in my state to think such a thing as secession would help us. I am exceedingly disappointed in the people that share this state with me. Things are getting better, will get better. But this idiocy needs to stop. We can't survive on our own, plain and simple. Besides, do any of you really want a numbskull like Perry running us like a country? I think not.

November 14, 2012 at 5:11 pm |

Jill Traveler, Waco, Texas

While I would love to let them go, I would hate to think what would happen to the women and children of Texas under a white male regime which would do everything it could to disenfranchise minority voters. The lack of a decent public education is what makes Texas residents so ignorant. If they weren't so ignorant, they would understand all they have to lose if they tried to go it alone – no Medicare, no highway funds, no education grants, ad infinitum. My numbers say they get $1.8 for every $1 that goes to D.c.

November 14, 2012 at 5:12 pm |

loreleilynnusmc

I am a born and bred Texan and I fully think we should be able to succeed if we so choose. People seem to forget that Texas has the 15th largest income of the ENTIRE WORLD. NOT just the US. Also, where do you think your beef comes from? Most likely Texas again. Your tv that so many Americans enjoy, where does that come from? You guessed it, Texas. Texas has 5 of the 10 LARGEST inport/export in the ENTIRE nation. If you are on a Dell computer, where do you think that came from? Round Rock, TEXAS. You have anything Motorola? That came from Austin, TEXAS. What about anything IBM? That also came from Austin, TEXAS. What about an AMD processor in your computer? That also came from Austin, TEXAS. So the Government owns the military bases, fine take 'em. There are VERY few Texans that are able to walk and talk that DON'T own AT LEAST one gun or some form of weapon. Besides, we have the Texas Rangers. And no, I don't mean the baseball team. We can raise our own army should the need arise. While the rest of the US is complaining about how cold it is, us Texans will be sittin all nice and toasty because we have our own oil. Which means we can provide our own oil for gas to fuel our cars that don't rust. We also have plenty of colleges so we can keep getting smarter. Oh and I forgot to mention that MD Anderson is in Houston TEXAS which is one of the biggest cancer research centers in the WORLD. The only one that I know of in the US that is bigger is the Mayo Clinic in I believe Arizona. I am sure there are others, but those are the two I know of. And MD Anderson is PRIVATELY funded. I know because my step mom does two fund raisers for them every year. We also have Brackenridge, Dell Medical Center, St. Davids, Seaton, so on and so forth. That's just naming ones in Austin. Also Texas is the ONLY state that was it's own country for ten years. We have already proved we can stand on our own. As the great late Sam Houston once said, "Texas can survive without the United States, the United States can NOT survive without Texas."

November 14, 2012 at 5:12 pm |

Mike

Texas is probably one of the few that can pull it off. They have natural resources that others are actually interested in. They have international commerce. They could probably stand alone without the help of the US. I live in Tennessee, and I want to slap anyone that talks about Tennessee seceding. We have very little on which we could support ourselves as a seperate nation. We have no major natural resources, we're landlocked, and most of our high tech industry is government sponsored (primarily the Department of Energy and Department of Defense). I think we could, eventually, exist on our own, but it would be 10-20 years of rough living as we rebuilt our industrial and technological capacities from the ground up.

November 14, 2012 at 5:12 pm |

BOB

Can we keep Austin?

November 14, 2012 at 5:13 pm |

mitch Eisenman

I say give Texas to Mexico. We get rid of a bunch of right wing, execution-loving, born-again, book burning nut jobs
Mexico gets a boost in their economy.

November 14, 2012 at 5:13 pm |

Ashley H.

Many believe this is the groan of disgruntled Republicans lashing out at the Obama Administration, but I disagree. I think they are a percentage of the petitioners but not all of them. I believe this is a movement that reaches beyond Republican and Democrat, perhaps one that also recognizes how little of a choice we had between the two of them in the election. We retain the right as a group of people to remove ourselves from our government and assemble a new one that better serves the people and not the interests of an elite few. This is how we became a nation in the beginning when we seceded from the British. Many states, my own included, may not have the luxury to wash their hands of this broken system since we are so indebted to it. But those, like Texas, that are economically well off and able to support themselves should have the option to do so. I'm for a popular vote per state petitioning to leave the union. If we are truly a free nation, we should be free to peacefully choose to be apart of the US government or our own. Let the People's voice be heard on this matter.

They can "IF" they take the rest of the conservatives in the country with them....they can rename it RacistBigotCrazyLand.

November 14, 2012 at 5:13 pm |

caffinatedparenting

treason: noun, the offense of acting to overthrow one's government or to harm or kill its sovereign.

Now, provided they actually choose to do something this irrational, I would hope they have thought of the actual consequences and not just their hurt feelings. If you leave the US, not only do you loose any and all federal funding, you loose all military, they all have to leave your *country* and come home. That alone will crush your economy, who's going to eat in the restaurants, shop at your stores, without customers these businesses go under. You can't survive on oil all together, afterall it will run out. I believe given the above definition, what they are actually doing is illegal. It's one thing to voice an opinion, it's an entirely different thing to threaten your country with violence if you don't get what you want. Before I get blasted on the violence thing, read some of these petitions, they all say peacefully secede, until you read all of the petition, there are quotes of JFK saying "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." That is a direct threat to our country and security and should be treated as such.

November 14, 2012 at 5:14 pm |

Wes

Yes if we get "all" our land back.

November 14, 2012 at 5:14 pm |

Alexandra

Considering that USA support the independence of Kosovo, than Texas and other states from USA had a legal right to ask the same...

November 14, 2012 at 5:14 pm |

Christina, daughter of the Republic

So, roughly three THOUSANDTHS of a percent of Texans have signed this petition? I remember during the civil rights era when black Americans were told if they didn't like things here, they should go back to Africa. Why aren't these poor, offended dears making arrangements to relocate to their own countries of origin?

November 14, 2012 at 5:14 pm |

Dan

Sure Jack – Let them secede if they like

Set up border/immigration stations at all roads leading out of Texas into LA, AR, OK and NM and we'll give a few of them green cards so they can temporarily enter the USA, but they have to go back home before dark

They'll miss us lots more than we'll miss them, I can assure you!!

November 14, 2012 at 5:14 pm |

Thomas

Let 'em go. Then we'll never again have to worry about another Bush as President.

November 14, 2012 at 5:14 pm |

Christopher Stone

Yes!!! Good riddance.

November 14, 2012 at 5:14 pm |

Janet Voigt

No of course not, we couldn't secede when Bush was in office, so Texas and everyone else will just have to "buck up" and live with it! :)

November 14, 2012 at 5:14 pm |

Meagan

Absolutely. Good riddance.

November 14, 2012 at 5:15 pm |

Karen

Certainly! Have lived in the LoneStar state, I can say they always have been a separate country...Why don't we cut the state apart from the rest of the 48, send it afloat and stick Hawaii in that vacant spot. At least Hawaii has better weather!

November 14, 2012 at 5:15 pm |

Larry from Mn

Absolutly Jack. Then we can invade them and take all of their oil. You know, just like we do with other nations.

November 14, 2012 at 5:15 pm |

Steve Pardo

Yes, obama obviously doesnt care about the bext generation, and it is amazing how he got so many young people to vote for him

November 14, 2012 at 5:15 pm |

Liz - Florida

Im tired of Texas can we just give it back to Mexico?

November 14, 2012 at 5:15 pm |

Cappy

Did I read "Pennsylvania"? If so, they surely don't speak for me or anyone I know. Sounds like Republican bigots to me. I am proud to be part of the United States and eager to support our President.

November 14, 2012 at 5:15 pm |

Amy

Yes. Maybe they will get a response from the White House then.

November 14, 2012 at 5:15 pm |

Morgan

Of course not! For starters 100K people is not even half a percent of the population of Texas, so they are clearly not speaking fora majority. Secondly, let's see them try to survive without Federal funding they receive now. If those people really don't want to be part of this country, let the door smack them on their way off our land.

November 14, 2012 at 5:15 pm |

Scott

Take notice that 100,000 out of 21 million signed this nonsense before you bash all Texans please. Also, all the northerners saying leave...just imagine what your gas prices will be if Texas did leave?

November 14, 2012 at 5:15 pm |

Charles

No, but all those who want to secede should be given a rocket ship and sent to Romney's planet; and on their way out, they can drop Newt Gingrich off at THE MOON.

November 14, 2012 at 5:15 pm |

Ellis

For those saying cut off the border patrol, it's not like they are doing much now anyway. (At least not in Arizona, maybe they are marginally more successful in Texas, unless you are on a jetski on a border lake)

Texas is a unique place. My guess is that even if the feds removed everything (property, assistance, etc) they would still make out all right. Especially when they factor in that they won't have to pay federal tax on the oil profits from the energy that they export to the USA.

I don't think this is by any stretch a serious proposal. I also suspect the White House official reply will be a verbose version of the word "no". But, it has stirred the emotions and imagination of a few folks. I don't believe this is a knee-jerk racist act as much as it is borne out of frustration with the size and over-reach of the Federal Government. This should be fun to watch.

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

Ed Holmes

Great! Let Texas secede. We won't have to suffer through any more idiotic presidents like George W. Bush.

Covington, Washington

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

Aimee Ogburn

This foolishness caused the loss off life in the 1860's. Do we really need Civil War 2.0 with better weapons? I'm curious how that would HELP the problem. Secession is not the answer. I am a native born Texan and I will never support tearing apart my state OR my country. Goddess bless the USA and the Lone Star State!

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

John Higgins

Allow? Hell, why not require it?

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

David A Whitaker

Jack why is it that all of these closet racist want to leave the union. If it was a white President you'll never hear all of this crap. Why don't say what they really mean

David
Martinsburg,WV

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

Trevor Ramsey

Instead of secession, let's just take all the people who sign the secession petitions and deport them. I'm sure there are plenty of people outside the US who will gladly take their place.

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

Peter Rego

This should serve as a states rights wake up call. The federal goverment is out of control and needs to be constitutionally reigned in.

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

Gordon G. Andrew

Jack,

Why are you wasting your time and mine on dumb questions like this? There certainly is no lack of important issues to address. I'm disappointed that you took the bait on this moronic topic. I expect better of you.

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

Matthew

I want Tennessee to secede from USA. I am a millenial and I do not even see the country I read about in history anymore. Socialism, Secularism, hatred towards Christianity, tradition, etc. I love American culture and tradition. I love Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving. I love the Bible. I don't want Hollywood morals or gays, etc. I want a new country to live in that keeps the cultural ideas that made America great and not these new "liberal" ideas that have failed over and over again. Look at Europe from 1500-1800 they dominated the world and held onto strong Christian, Victorian, conservative values. Look at them now, they are in chaos. As in sports, go with the WINNING strategy.

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

Shanda

Absolutely Texas should be allowed to secede and so should any other state that is fed up with the greedy government!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

Michael

From a legal standpoint, any state has the right to leave whenever it wants. Then again, the last time someone tried to secede there was civil war. So should they be allowed? Of course. Will they? That depends on the US Army.

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

Tom

Let them go. The first ten years afterward should be both entertaining and enlightening. How long do you suppose it will take for Texas to apply for US foreign aid? How long will it be before Mexico decides that it wants Texas back? How long can Texas stand alone facing droughts and hurricanes? How long will it be before Texas petitions the US for re-admittance to the union?

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

finch

Yes, please let all the red states secded from the union. They will be considered foreign countries expected to come up with their own defense, monetary standards and protection. Then, put a fence or wall around the rest of America to keep them out – you know "Secure our Borders!"

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

B. Burns

I am a born and bred Texan, voted for the President, and doubt Texans would go along with this nonsense. My city, Houston, is named after General Sam, who did not even think Texas should have seceded during the Civil War. He was right then and now.

November 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm |

Demitrius

This is a stupid question. Just because a few sore losers and nuts sign a petition doesn't even approach the question if a significant majority of Texans want to secede. How about this, if you don't like the country, get the hell out. Go move to a more conservative country.

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

C.J (Virginia)

Yes, absolutely. If Texas is allowed to secede it will raise the IQ for rest of the America by at least 10-15 points. So go for it Texas..

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Stan Koehler

Concerning Texas: Right now the people of Texas receive more federal aide then they pay in Federal Taxes – in essence the Blue States support Texas. Let's start with cutting Texas off from the extra number. The first step of succession would be for Texas to support itself and Texas could do that right now.

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Jeff Schatzman

Good bye, good luck and good riddance!

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Brandon from AL

Seeing as how secession is technically unconstitutional (there's nothing about leaving the Union in the Constitution), no, Texas or any other state should not be allowed to secede. And I'll bet big bucks that the people signing these petitions are the same ones that were screaming "America – love it or leave it" following the election in 2004. I say that they should follow their own advice – just don't take part of our great county with you.

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

calvin

Jack I am truly disappointed in you- why not ask similar questions about Trump and the tea party and the birthers, and all their outrageously silly and inane comments, etc etc etc. I gave you more credit than this. Guess I was wrong.

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Mary

Let's face it Jack. The atmosphere created in this last election cycle has led credence to idiot thinking and made acceptable racist viewpoints. I would be willing to bet that 99.999% of those signing the petition are white and the thought of a black president has had their tails in a knot for the last 4 years, and now that he gets another 4, they are allowing their bigotry to run rampant.

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Victoria Hudson

When the request to "secede" comes from the legislative leaders of Texas, then maybe it's worth discussing. Until then, why give legitimacy to ignorance run amok?

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Charles from Hickory Hills, IL

Yes, let them go. Imagine the tarrifs we can charge them for anything they want to import, not to mention it would spell the end of the Republican party. Based on comments I see from most Texans, I can only imagine cutting Texas loose would improve the U.S. in the eyes of the world.

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Sandstone

"What is wrong with 'Mexotex' ?? Remember the Alamo?? Mexo-Tex is going to become the largest single Cooperation in the whole of the USA."

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Michael

After reading my Great-Grandfather's signature on his Civil War parole papers pledging support for the Union(Confederates got paroled not discharged), I for one, consider the matter settled 147 years ago. That's what the word "indivisible" in the Pledge of Allegiance means.

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Martha Campbell

Sure, let them go. But they have to promise not to come back after Obama's term is up.

Jamestown, PA

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Cindy

I think New York. California. and IL should leave the union. We can no longer afford them. As for the Civil War It was about freeing the slaves. Well some of the current slaves (US Citizens ) in Texas want to be free, of gun laws. Obamacare (Carbon Tax , VAT, increased income taxes ,comming to your neighborhood soon.) Drones, flouride
eugenics, chemtrails. government spying on its citizens. calling preppers terrorists, calling our ritired vets terrorists
bank bail outs. QE unlimited, NDAA , Patriot act 2, Fema camps.(Fema had to get food from the churches It had not prepared for any emergency) Military troops checking our citizens for seat belts ect.( which is illegal by the way)
I am sure there are many other things I have not mentioned. PS I wouldn't trade freedom for govt handouts..

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Dumbfounded

Ha. Ha. If they want to secede, by all means let them! Within 5 years those thick-skulled "Texas Boys" will be too busy killing eachother over power to even establish a budget!!

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Angel

Also..... the person that left the post about cat 5 hurricane, lets be real here....... Texas got help because of the oil an resources here! No other reason!

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

britsunited

Definitely. Of course they'll have to give up all the benefits that go along with statehood as well. They can set up their own army, navy and social security system, pay for their own schools, their own infrastructure, etc. Truth be told they add little that is positive to our country and we don't eat so much beef anymore so who cares. BTW, in spite of my posting name I am not British at all – Swedish and Italian, and born in Chicago

November 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm |

Paul, Parry Sound, Ontario

Yes, Texas should be allowed to secede from the Untied States.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

J Sewell

These folks need to get serious. America has voted, move on! The prospect of this happening isn't possible for several reasons to include the ANARCHY that will take place due to a bunch of "red" politicians running the show for everyone and the fact that the POTUS is the Commander in Chief for all military personnel to include the National Guard. Who will protect Texas in a time of war then?

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Blacksport

Sure, they can secede, right after they pay their share of the national debt.

Let me guess, Romney will be their president, and their bank will be in the Cayman Islands.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

louis

Absolutely not. Foolish and non-sensical idea.
Among many reasons, our foreign enemies would love to see a divided USA.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Robert Livingston

If Rick Perry and George Bush are the brain trust of Texas let'em go, first stop all SS Checks, School $, Road $ just for a start, 100,000 signatures sort of the tail waggin the dog.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Marcel Dubois

Sure, Let Texas leave the union! Just think of all the Social Security and Medicare Payments that would be saved and this way we could come up with a little extry cash to pay down the debt

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Gabi

Jack, I've thought for years that Texas had already seceded from the Union! How surprised I was by your question!

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Daniel Crum

Really?
This was tried once before...
I remember it in history class as the CIVIL WAR!
EveryAmerican should be trying to figure out how to correct the problems we face, instead of trying to create more.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

rprebel

I'm a proud Texan, and the idea that these people represent me is repugnant. If these people want to leave America, what's stopping them? There's the border...cross it. Cross it and don't come back.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Rick Shultz

If Texas is allowed to secede, all I can say is that I would move there immediately as much as I dislike the idea of leaving Tennessee, because I am totally fed up with this government.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

stephen thomas

i am writing from a small town in hemphill texas... i do not believe we should succeed .. although i did sign the petition.. i believe that the national government should allow the states to work on their economic crisis as a state.. not a country.,... some of the bigger states are going broke due to arrying the smaller states around.... so i think that national government should stand down from state government in order to allow the states as a individual to work on their economy... but if things get worse then yes texas should be allowed to succeed from the union

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

peter

yes – all that want to go should be allowed to go without delay – and charged the equivalent sum of 100% of this days national debit.

" and dont let the door hit you on the way out!"

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Dennis Wild

We should sell Texas to Mexico and make an agreement for mineral rights in the deal. This would take care of some border problems, death penalty problems, and some antiquated thinking that remains years behind the rest of the nation.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

siugirl

If the majority of Texas wanted to succeed then sure, let it. But 100,000 isn't even 10% of their population and I'm guessing they didn't put it to a statewide vote. Just because one segment of a population in state feels a certain way doesn't mean the whole state feels that way as well.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

David

They are nothing but hot air.It can be the bluest of the blue states and there will still be stupid people that want to leave the county. They should leave. But the land stays.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Proudamerican2

Let all of the people who want to secede start their own country. That will, in turn, stamp out a lot of the racism this country faces. As Forest Gump says, "One less thing".

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Beth Hancock

No. If the rest of the country couldn't secede from Texas in 2000 when W was elected, then they don't get to bail on us now.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Bryan

Now you listen here Jack and you listen good. These here United State of Barack Obama do not make up a legitimate country. Obama is ruining the values that we held so dear. We here in Texas have the right to secede and bring back the gold old days of my great great grand father Ezekial Johnson, when he followed the great Robert E. Lee. The SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN! You better believe it you darn yankees.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Denny Manning

Do those people have a clue? They must not need Social Security, and Medicare, etc. If Texas can take care of there own, good luck !

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

backspacemybrain

I'm from Canada and the province of Quebec is always threatening to do the same thing. Maybe they can hook up.. Texbec? Quexas?

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Jeff

Are we at war? I think yes so everyone whose signed this preposterous petition is a traitor according to the Espionage Act. Publish their names and addresses so the country can know if a traitor lives next door.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Phillipia

No. It's no more acceptable now than in the 1860s. Besides that, one of my Facebook friends had the link posted about these petitions. A couple people had responses that they had not signed their state's petition, but their name was on it. Also, if you notice most (if not all) states are listed, and the majority of people in the USA voted FOR the current President, resulting in his policies being preferred. The Republicans lost seats in both the House and the Senate. Which direction do the majority of Americans want to go? These people would have been just as poor of winners as they are losers.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Nerdy Girl

No, they're stuck with us, and we with them. The angry right needs to get over getting thumped on election night, and start putting country first over their own selfish and destructive desires.

November 14, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Derek From Indiana

No they should not be allowed to secede from our union nor should any state in this country. Doing so would not be a smart decision by the people of those states who wish to do so, they would just be running from this nations problems as well as putting this nations problems on the rest of the nation and not sharing some of the responsibility like the rest of us. In these bad times in the country, nobody can afford to run from this countries problems or issues, we need to all stick together as americans. We just need to put more pressure on our elected officials to get off their selfish party butts and work together, this nation should not allow parties in gov't. We elect you to work for us, not yourself or the party you represent. Spread the message people.

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Joel

Sure why not and I'll be the first to immigrate....

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

c arm

I'm sure when mexican drug cartels impose martial law on peoples front lawns , these folks will want to be part of the union again

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Avery NV.

Let 'em go! I say 'adios'. They're like the obnoxious Uncle in a greasy t-shirt who shows up and ruins all the family get togethers.

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Ron Balouville CT

If they secede from the union one must wonder what will happen next? you may scoff at this but if they are that radicalized would the people make the ones that supported Obama suffer? will they put the minorities to slavery? will they pass laws banning women from voting? will they instigate a cival war? These things i mentioned may sound silly but so doesnt secedeing from the union over re-electing a president. These people are crazy in those states and i fear what they are cappable of doing to prove their points.

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

ncmyk

does texas forget that the whole reason it became a state was it had its own massive debt (that the federal government assumed) and couldn't fiscally stand on its own?

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Jessica Rasor

If that is the choice of their citizens of course, we are united STATES. If it becomes overwhelmingly evident to a localized group of people that their current governing authorities are acting outside of their citizens best interests, then they should have all of the right to form their own Union. People continue throwing around this being anti-Patriotic, but the government at this current time also continues to prove it has every intention of altering the core of our nation to such a degree that it would be unrecognizable to its original founders. The second amendment is now being targeted – what next? I am sure this will never actually make it on CNN as they probably won't appreciate this response.

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Eric

If Texas wants to leave the United States, we should give it back to Mexico. Then put up a big electrified fence to keep Texans from sneaking into America.

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

mariacatalinaegan

If Texas is allowed to secede one can rests assured that it would be taken over by Mexican Drug Cartels and beg The USA to come to its rescue. What happens to all the Texans that wish to remain American? The Lone Star would not last long as an independent State and Stephen Austin would surely spin in his grave! In a word ABSURD!

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Stacey

Jack, I'm a Texan who is rational enough to know that we should not secede. However, I would understand if the rest of the nation wanted to kick us out.

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Bill

yes. if they want out, bye bye!! we'll transfer all military bases out out of TX, redraw the oil pipeline, if it ever starts, and we can let them be the buffer between the US and a portion of the Mexican drug cartels. we can also save money in unemployment benefits and if a hurricane hits, they can ask for foriegn aid. they can keep the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, as well as the other professional sports teams as well.

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Krenz

Karen-Brooklyn NY

They definitely need to leave the Union of the United States, In fact, they should be CHASED OUT!

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

kennyin missouri

Sure, bring it on!
all that hot air-gone in a split second and the Bushes too? who can pass that up.....they may be soon cryin the blues without the federal govt to keep their borders as safe as they are now,using Texas money alone!

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

rprebel

I'm a proud Texan, and the idea that these people represent me is repugnant. If they want to leave America, what's stopping them? There's the border...cross it. Cross it and never come back. Please.

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Dr. Toddler

Absolutely not! I can see it now, the minute they begin to experience any kind of hardship they'll call upon the U.S for assistance. What's next amending the entire constitution just because a selected few are angry? We need to come together not further divided. Accept our President and stop being bitter. If anyone does not like living in the U.S, then they can leave.

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

MikeJ

It would be a terrible move on their part. They already have a huge budget deficit. If they take their share of the federal debt with them in no time at all Texas would look like a 3rd world country begging for foreign aid from the rest of us.

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Gabi

Jack, I thought Texas had already seceded from the Union! How surprised I was by your question!

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Andrew Cort

No, but I agree with another petition I hear is going around, that all these ungrateful, unpatriotic, twerps should be stripped of their citizenship and deported.

November 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Maximus Max

"Will they be ALLOWED"??? Or what??? Will this President now turn against the "will of the people" who have signed the petition and then vote to stand on their own? If they do, I'll be leaving Michigan for Texas for a second time in my life. Both times as a result of moronic [olicies of Democrats.

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

lynnso

Let's kill two birds with one stone. Puerto Rico wants to join the union and all the folks in TX, LA, FL, etc that want to secede could just trade places. It increases airline commerce and lets us moderates get back to the important issues, like high ranking government sex scandals!

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Jeremy

San Antonio, Texas. I'm an American first, Texan second. If anyone wants to secede from this great nation of ours, let me know and I'll be glad to show you the door and how to take your citizenship elsewhere. We don't need or want you.

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Michael

Sure, let them secede. Then cut all federal funding, tax imports from Texas and seal the borders to keep all those pesky illegals out!!

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Normal Texan

To everyone outside of Texas, we aren't all this stupid. I'm also getting really tired of fringe politics being newsworthy...

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Joanna From Miami

Jack, I lived in Texas for almost all of 2005 during a time in our nation's history when it seemed that the Lone Star State would always get their way. Now that they're not getting it anymore, they want to succeed. Well, what are they waiting for? I only suggest that they do it in an orderly fashion, in which the residents who are still capable of reason move out in a mass exodus - or "Texodus".

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Get me out of Texas - Austin is ok!

Ok this means i need to get out of Texas. I agree with the previous post to send Austin to Canada because Austin is actually has good people not living in a dream world, but the rest of Texas....Please let them secede. I come from a very conservative family and usually here, conservative means – ridiculously ignorant. Well they all are. Let Texas secede, take away any government programs and rights and see how they do with that...

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

swestey

Should Texas be allowed to secede from the Union? I thought the dream of people everywhere is to live in a democracy...which means being free to vote for your leader...and accepting that whether you agree with it or not. I guess Texan's all have that modern-day disease called narcissim, meaning they want THEIR way...it's my way or the highway. OK...so let Texan's go, but give them their appropro share of the national debt, which will be pretty large...like Texas. Yee Ha!

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

JC in PA

Can we vote them out! McCain has already said he will declare them a communist state and declare a war of reconciliation if we will. Then again, he just wants to fight somebody, anyone, anything. Texas will do.

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Triple A

It's a double edge sword...if they do, we wouldn't be a whole nation and progression will forever be lost. On the other hand, doing so will allow natural selection within Texas to occur...maybe that's what we need.

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Arthur

Yes, let them leave. Then let's build a wall on the new border and give anyone 30 days who wants to remain a part of these United States of America to get out! Then you will witness the power of this fully armed and operational battle station. They wouldn't last 3 months without the "Big Ole Bad Govt" to save them from themselves let alone the invading horde of Drug Lords from the south!

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Rita Bartuska

Secession is not an option. However, all dissatisfied citizens are free and encouraged to relocate to another nation. The sooner the better. I'll even help them pack.

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Bob Lee

Yes, let Texas leave along with the other states. We could save all the money we spend on them in relief for storms and other Federal benefits that they receive. I guess that don't realize that they take more monies than they pay into the Fed.

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Carolyn

Jack, Jack, Jack. If you scroll down the petition to where the signers are listed you will note that you did not have to be a Texan to sign the petition for Texas to secede. This is true for all 50 states where some misguided fool(s) have started petitions.

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Muzzy ( Ed Rudd )

As long as Austin and any other "blue".cities and counties can leave Texas and rejoin the US, become a city state, or affiliate with whatever government or organization they want. Dissolve Texas, not a bad Oder.

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Nick Greene

Secession from the United States is done right stupid. The last time Our Nation lost States, we gained a Civil War which we don't need another one. Lets not repeat History people.

November 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Samuel

I don't think so, I was born the United States and I plan on keeping it that way. I want to leave Texas anyway, nothing interesting here and typical hillbilly stereotypes.

About this Blog:

Jack Cafferty sounds off hourly on the Situation Room on the stories crossing his radar. Now, you can check in with Jack online to see what he's thinking and weigh in with your own comments online and on TV.